It’s WELLBEING month here at Corporate Edge and we are dedicated to bringing you the necessary tips and tricks, tools and strategies you need to improve and maintain your mental wellbeing.
We have previously discussed the benefits and positives of implementing a wellness initiative for organisations. So, today we are switching it up and are singling out one simple practice that you, as an individual, can implement into your daily routine to increase your wellness.
The practice we are focusing on is mindful self-talk.
To speak mindfully is to speak with an awareness of the impact your words have on yourself and others. Being compassionate and kind to yourself and others will help alter your mindset, which has numerous flow-on effects in all aspects of your life.
“Our life is shaped by our mind, for we become what we think.”
Buddha
What is Mindful Self-talk?
Mindful self-talk is being able to notice and observe everything that is going on, but not judge or react to it, instead think it through mindfully therefore choosing your self-talk.
Speaking mindfully is a simple process where you begin to choose your words with intention. This intention and your words will invoke a good feeling inside of you and in others.
The practice
When talking to yourself, notice your inner voice. Notice the words you are using with yourself. Notice the tone of voice. If you’re using words like “should”, “must”, “always”, “ought” or “never”, take a moment to stop, release those words and alter your mindset.
Change your tone of voice to be more positive and less reflective of the situation. You cannot control the situation, but you can control how you react to it and how you react to it stems from your inner self–talk. Alter your words to be more demonstrative of compassion and care. Be kind to yourself. Speak to yourself the way you would comfort or talk to a friend or loved one.
This type of thinking is one that takes conscious practice and concentration, and you should be actively aware of it every day for it to eventually become second nature and ultimately, it’ll become just the way you think.
There’s a story we share about two wolves and it serves as an excellent reminder of the power of our self-talk. It goes something like this…
One evening, an elderly Cherokee brave told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, “my son, the battle is between two ‘wolves’ inside us all. One is evil. It is anger, envy, anxiety, sorrow, fear, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, and ego. The other is good. It is love, peace, hope, respect, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.” The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “which wolf wins?” The old Cherokee simply replied, “the one that you feed the most.” Make a conscious effort to focus on feeding the good wolf. Whichever one you feed grows!
And with that, we will leave you with a thought-provoking quote that will reinforce the positive effect of mindful self-talk and the positive impact it will have on all aspects of your life.
Where focus goes, energy flows.
Tony Robbins
